Honour for dedication (From Barry And District News)

Honour for dedication

FORMER Barry Superintendent Colin Jones has been rewarded for his dedication to the force in Her Majesty's Birthday Honours.

He has been awarded the Queen's Policing Medal for Services to Policing.

Only recently stepping down from his high-profile position, Supt Jones was one of the most popular figures in the South Wales region.

His 34-year career in the force culminated with a six-year role as Divisional Commander of the Vale of Glamorgan.

The retired former Superintendent of the Vale of Glamorgan police division said: "I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive this award and am deeply indebted to my former colleagues and support staff without whose assistance this would not have been possible.

"I always had their utmost loyalty and support and this medal will serve as a constant reminder of them and the wonderful memories I have of my 34 years in the South Wales Police."

During his long term, Colin was responsible for developing the successful crime and disorder partnerships that led to the Division being commended in a recent inspection report by Her Majesty's Inspector of the Constabulary.

But his good reputation was forged during his time as a detective. As a Senior Investigating Officer, he led teams in many high-profile and complex murder inquiries and other major crime investigations, including the successful investigation into the tragic murder of Cardiff schoolgirl Claire Hood. His overwhelming commitment to the inquiry, his staff, Claire's family and to the community as a whole won him enormous respect.

Colin's successor, Superintendent Josh Jones, said: "Everyone in the Division is delighted for Colin. He thoroughly deserves such an honour. He is regarded with great affection by his colleagues and this is a fitting tribute to all he has achieved in his career."

Colin had many outside interests while he was in the force, which he pursues now. These include being a member of The Order of St John, being on the committee of the Barry Dock Lifeboat (RNLI) and a governor of Barry College.